2017 Reader Favorite Recipes

From gluten-free skillet dinners to salads and scrumptious desserts, these are the top 17 reader favorite recipes on Iowa Girl Eats from 2017!

I know it’s such a cheeseball thing to say, but I cannot believe Christmas is just a few days away! I swear it was just last week that I was shooing Ben and Lincoln out the door in his little batman costume for trick or treating – it never ceases to amaze me how the holidays seem to go by faster and faster each year.

We’ve been trying to make the most of this month, especially. Whipping up puppy chow, baking cookies, making ornaments, flipping between Amy Grant and Mannheim Steamroller on Pandora (Lincoln is desperate to listen to Disney music again – need to fill up on my OG Amy while I can!) watching Christmas movies, attending festivals, and shopping in my PJs. Still think you don’t need Amazon Prime in 2018? Trust me, YOU DO.

Anyway, I usually wait until after Christmas to start sharing these yearly recaps but despite all the fun this month has brought, it’s also been a hard and busy one. Every one of us has been sick at least once, a dear friend recently lost her Mom, and having both little boys home for Christmas break has left me well, in need of a break! I’m looking forward to disconnecting through Christmas to spend QT with my guys, and recharge physically and emotionally. I know the holidays are stressful for many so I invite you to do the same – after you read this post, of course. ;)

Afterall, this post is all about YOU! The top 17 reader favorite recipes from 2017. The recipes you made, craved, and loved. I adore compiling this list and seeing what resonated with you and your families over the course of an entire year. Truly it’s a pleasure and honor to be in your kitchen, and although I don’t say it enough – thank you for allowing me to do what I do. Thank you for sharing the recipes you love, telling your friends, and for your feedback, especially. I want to make Iowa Girl Eats as YOU-friendly as possible!

MY OTHER RECIPES

With that said, I hope you have a wonderful, magical, and very merry Christmas if you celebrate (who’s making Christmas Eve Shrimp?!) and I’ll catch you on the flip side with my personal favorite recipes from 2017. Be well and talk very soon!

Top reader recipes from past years:

#1: Grilled Pork Tenderloin

To be honest, I was surprised to see Grilled Pork Tenderloin snag 2017’s #1 most popular recipe spot! Pork recipes aren’t always a guaranteed home run here on IGE, but I had to post this one anyway because it is FOOL PROOF, unbelievably juicy, inexpensive, and so, so delicious. Plus there’s no marinating required (I hate marinating meats and fish!) I’m so glad you all loved this recipe as much as we do – it’s a weekly staple at our house in the summertime.

#2: Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

In contrast, I was not surprised to see Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars snag the 2nd most popular recipe spot. These refined-sugar-free bars, which are made with fridge and pantry staples, are the perfect healthy breakfast or snack recipe. My kids and I go crazy for them.

#3: Maple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Note to self: create more healthy, hand-held breakfast recipes in 2018 – Maple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bars came in a close 3rd behind the blueberry bars! The maple-cinnamon flavors in these bars make them taste like such a treat, but they’re only sweetened with pure maple syrup. If you want a third bar option, I also adore my Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars which are banana-free.

#6: Lick Your Plate Coconut Chicken Curry

The fact that Lick Your Plate Coconut Chicken Curry claimed the 6th most popular recipe spot in 2017 really says something. I feel like so many people think they hate curry, or that it takes a long time to make, but since this recipe is so popular you know it’s got to be good and easy. So good, in fact, that I promise you’ll be licking your plate at the end of the meal. I make this dish all the time for dinner – we all love it!

#7: 2-Ingredient Lemon Whip Fruit Dip

If you’re a fan of fruit dip, you’ll toss out all your other recipes once you taste 2-Ingredient Lemon Whip Fruit Dip, which was the 7th most popular new recipe in 2017. Just 2 ingredients, people! So delicious, you won’t even need a platter of fresh fruit – a big spoon will do.

#8: 15-Minute Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

I’m sensing a theme here – seems like you were drawn to all the 5-ingredient, 2-ingredient, 15-minute, etc recipes this year, and 15-Minute Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps were no exception. Here’s what some of you had to say about this easy, no-fuss recipe:

“I’ve made this recipe twice this week! Easy to make and so delicious!!”

“Let me say THANK YOU again Kristin for another soul-satisfying dish that doesn’t take hours to make.”

“Delicious! Will definitely add to our usual rotation. Loved the sauce on the beef.”

#10: Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The combination of roasted brussels sprouts, sweet chili sauce, and chopped peanuts sounded good in my head, and came out even better in real life. Love when that happens! Apparently you do too, because Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts came in as the 10th most popular recipe on IGE in 2017. Promise you’ll try this scrumptious side dish recipe if you haven’t already?

#11: Secret Ingredient Restaurant-Style Salsa

If you hadn’t made Secret Ingredient Restaurant-Style Salsa the 11th most popular new recipe in 2017, it might have claimed top spot in my favorite recipes list, which is coming next week. I crave this salsa DAILY. So easy to make, tastes just like a restaurant’s, and totally satisfies my chips and salsa addiction. OBSESSSSSSSED!!

#12: Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken

I was proud of the recipe for Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken even before realizing it made this list – my heart nearly burst knowing you love it too! The sauce in this 1-pan recipe is one of the most delicious to ever come out of my kitchen. I make it for the family constantly and usually pair with sauteed sweet potato noodles and a side salad.

#13: Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Squash Casserole

I’m so glad I told you the story of how my squash-hating Dad devoured a giant plate of Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Squash Casserole without realizing he was eating spaghetti squash – MUWAHAHA!! Ahem. I think it gave you the courage to try the recipe, and boy did I enjoy reading all the comments from those of you who did.

#14: No-Bake S’Mores Icebox Cake (GF/DF)

File No-Bake S’Mores Icebox Cake under 14th most popular new recipe of 2017, and also one of the most FUN recipes I created this year. This GF/DF dessert recipe will make you feel like a kid again. Sticky, sweet, and so scrumptious. And since a camp fire isn’t required – it’s perfect to make any time of year.

#15: Italian Chickpea Salad

If you’re not a fan of traditional lettuce-based salads, Italian Chickpea Salad is for you. Crunchy, full of texture, and drizzled with a tangy, spoon-drink-worthy Italian dressing, you’ll feel like a total health goddess eating this salad. Keep in the fridge to nibble on all week.

#16: Steak and Potato Bowls

I randomly made Steak and Potato Bowls for dinner one night with what we had in the fridge, with no intention of ever sharing the recipe, but it turned out so well that I had to post it. This recipe reinvents “meat and potatoes”. Totally. Craveable.

#17: Cheesy Vegetable, Turkey Sausage and Rice Casserole

I think about this casserole all the time. Legit day dream about it’s amazingness! Cheesy Vegetable, Turkey Sausage and Rice Casserole is lighter then most casseroles and only needs to be broiled vs baked, so it’ll be ready to devour in no time. So glad you loved this recipe!

Merry Christmas to you and your family. LOVE the blog and scrolling through this list just gave me some great ideas to try…not sure how I haven’t made the salsa yet!!! Going to get on that immediately!!

great recipes… ive been eating that thai crunch salad the past 2 days and even went and got another bag of cabbage today to make more.. like you said in that recipe article my body has been like where are the vegetables lol all this christmas junk

Christmas Eve Shrimp being served here! Making ham for the rest of the crew but it’s not my favorite so I decided to make the shrimp as a treat for myself (and anyone else that wants some). Merry Christmas from California!

I just wanted to say Happy Holidays and to thank you for all of the hard work you put into your blog and recipes. In general, I do a lot more looking than cooking (hey, I’m-a rhymin haha) but I’ve made several of yours and they were great. I trust your recipes. So, thanks! :)

A huge thank you for all the recipes you put out!! My son was diagnosed with celiac disease a little over a year ago and I found your blog to be so helpful and have recommended it to others many times! You made the transition to a GF life much easier!!

Love your recipes Kristin! I’d love to see you do some recipe ideas for the instant pot this year. I got one recently and am not using it as much as I could be as I’m short of ideas of what to make in it. Would love to see your ideas/recipes if you have one too!

Love your blog Kristin! I would love to see you do some instant pot recipes this year. I got one recently and am at a loss for inspiration. Would be interested to see your ideas/recipes if you have one.

Just wanted to let you know my 15 year old son made your peppermint bark as Christmas gifts for relatives. We used the peppermint oil and the bark was minty and delicious! We did a blind taste test with Williams and Sonoma peppermint bark and your recipe was a clear winner! Thanks again for sharing all your recipes in such a positive, friendly, down to earth fashion. You are my go to for weekly meal planning and I’m always recommending your site to friends and co-workers.

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hi, i’m kristin!

I'm a Midwestern wife and Mom of two little boys. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2013, Iowa Girl Eats is a place I share delicious and approachable gluten-free recipes made with everyday, in-season ingredients. Visit my Recipe Index for inspiration!MORE ABOUT ME

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